Hundreds of New Orleanians cut out of work early on Friday afternoon to kick-off the 16th year of Gretna Heritage Fest.

Sitting on top of the levee in lawn chairs and beers in hand, fest goers inhaled crawfish pasta, sausage and funnel cakes waiting for REO Speedwagon to take the stage. Many were happy to talk about what draws the to the neighborhood festival every year.

Take a look at what they said in the video below -- and tell us why you attend the festival, too.